Tag: Sheriffhall Roundabout

Briggs disappointment over Sheriffhall Roundabout inaction

Last week at the Scottish Parliament, Lothian MSP Miles Briggs called on SNP and Green Ministers to progress the A720 Sherrifhall roundabout.

At the start of February this year a Public Local Inquiry was carried out, to address objections which were received in relation to the project.

In his question, Mr Briggs asked if the Scottish Government has received any recommendations from the independent reporter.

In response, Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop, said: “The Scottish Government has not yet received any recommendations from the independent reporter regarding the A720 Sherrifhall roundabout following that public inquiry, held between the 31st January and the 8th February 2023.”

Mr Briggs has previously called on SNP and Green Ministers to make progress on upgrades to the junction, with £120 million being earmarked for the project as part of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal.

The announcement on Thursday by Audit Scotland that the Scottish Government will not meet their infrastructure goals has raised concerns over the delivery of the project.

Lothian MSP Miles’ Briggs said: “I am disappointed to hear that and I think that people across Edinburgh and the Lothians and the South of Scotland as well, will really be wanting to see when those will be given to Ministers and how fast we can see this progress, because we need the A720 Sherrifhall roundabout to be upgraded.

“It is now over five years since the Sherrifhall Roundabout was included in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. We need to see this upgrade urgently progressed.”

Police appeal for witnesses following fatal collision on City Bypass

We are appealing for information following a fatal crash on the Edinburgh City Bypass. The incident happened around 1.10pm on Tuesday (20 December) on the A720 westbound near to the Sheriffhall roundabout.

It involved two cars, a silver Renault Captur and a grey Skoda Karoq.

The driver of the Renault, a 66-year-old man, was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later.

The road was closed while crash investigation work was carried out and fully re-opened around 4.40pm.

Sergeant Scott Kirkpatrick said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died and our investigation to find out the full circumstances of what happened continues.

“I am appealing for anyone who saw what happened or who has dash-cam footage that could help with our enquiries to get in touch.

“Please call us on 101, quoting incident number 1379 of Tuesday, 20 December, 2022.”

Sheriffhall accident: victim dies in hospital

A man has died in hospital after he was struck by a car at Sheriffhall.

Joseph Wakeley of Edinburgh was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh after the incident on Millerhill Road near the Sheriffhall Roundabout around 9am on Thursday, 4 August.

He died in hospital during the afternoon of Saturday, 6 August (yesterday) .

His family have described him as “a loving son, father and brother” and asked that their privacy is respected.

The driver of the car was uninjured.

Sergeant Paul Ewing of Police Scotland’s Road Policing Unit said: “Our thoughts are with Joseph’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and I would urge anyone who may have information who has not yet spoken to an officer to get in touch.

“You can call 101, quoting reference 0775 of 4 August, 2022.”

Witness appeal following Sheriffhall accident

Road policing officers are appealing for witnesses after a crash involving a car and a pedestrian in Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 9am yesterday (Thursday, 4 August, 2022) on Millerhill Road, near the Sheriffhall Roundabout.

The pedestrian, a 37-year-old man, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh with life threatening injuries. The driver of the car was not injured.

The road was closed for around four hours while investigations were carried out.

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw what happened or anyone with dashcam footage of the area at the time to contact police. You can call Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0775 of Thursday, 4 August, 2022.

Attempted murder in West Pilton: Police renew appeal

Detectives have renewed an appeal for information as enquiries continue into the attempted murder of a man in north Edinburgh.

A 34-year-old man was found seriously injured in a common stairwell at West Pilton Grove around 5pm last Friday (18 June). He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for sighting of a car believed to be linked to the incident.

A dark blue Volkswagen Golf GTI was seen driving at speed in the Drylaw area before the incident and a similar vehicle was then seen being driven erratically Sheriffhall Roundabout around 5.30pm on Friday.

A similar vehicle was later found set alight later that evening.

Detective Inspector Alison MacDonald said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who saw the vehicle or who may have dashcam or private CCTV footage showing this vehicle.

“We would also be keen to hear from anyone with information about a similar car which was set alight near Shawfair railway station later during the evening on Friday, 18 June.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident and anyone with any information can call 101, quoting incident 2690 of 18 June or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

SNP Ministers having second thoughts about Sheriffhall Roundabout, say Tories

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has accused SNP Ministers of having second thoughts about the development of Sheriffhall junction.

Plans for the development of Sheriffhall junction stalled earlier this year when the SNP Government went back on their commitment to commence the development, following pressure from the Greens.

Last week, (Wednesday 28th October), the Lothian MSP met with Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson Graham Simpson and South Scotland MSP Michelle Ballentine at the junction to see first hand the urgent need for the junction to be developed.

The development is a key national infrastructure projects that is vital for commuters in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s and to meet future demand with the South East of Scotland having the fastest growing population in Scotland.  

A Written Answer to Lothian MSP Miles Briggs, attached, states  “should Transport Scotland be unsuccessful in removing all objections, then a public local inquiry may be required” and that “Delivery of the scheme itself can only commence if it is approved under the relevant statutory procedures and thereafter a timetable for its progress can be set”.

The junction is also a major safety hazard with 299 accidents involving injury or death at the junction over a 10 year period.

Investment in infrastructure should be a key approach to Scotland economic recovery from Covid-19 and it is disappointing the this development is being delayed.

Lothian MSP Miles Briggs commented: “This development of Sheriffhall Junction needs to be brought forward as soon as possible. For too long we have been campaigning for this and it is now time for action.

“This is a key national investment for the South East of Scotland which will reduce congestion and create jobs.

“I have written to the Scottish Government to get an update on their review to improve active travel and public transport provision.”

South Scotland MSP, Michelle Ballantyne, commented: “Sheriffhall Junction is the gateway to Edinburgh for much of south-east Scotland and thousands of residents rely upon it every day.

“We cannot afford any further delay; upgrades to the roundabout are critical for development in the region and will attract jobs and investment to Midlothian and the Borders.

“I will continue to press the Scottish Government on this important issue. South East Scotland deserves a road network that is fit for purpose.”

Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesperson, Graham Simpson, commented: “This project is badly needed and the SNP need to pull their fingers out and deliver it.

“It’s essential to Edinburgh and the wider region. Delays at Sheriffhall should be sorted – and fast.”